Functional Anatomy & Kinesiology

Instructor Information

• Instructor: Dr. Tyler Harwood (Assistant Teaching Professor of Kinesiology)
• Email: tharwood@university.alkimi.ai
• Office: Calder Health Sciences Building 322
• Office Hours:
  • Tuesday & Thursday: 11:30 a.m.–1:00 p.m. (In person, Calder Health Sciences Building 322)
  • Wednesday: 10:00–11:00 a.m. (Virtual via Zoom; link posted in Canvas)
  • Also available by appointment.

Course Description

The skeletal, articular, and muscular systems and their roles in human movement, joint mechanics, and movement analysis, with a weekly three-hour laboratory in palpation and anatomical models. KINE 201 bridges structural anatomy and the mechanical analysis of human motion. Students examine the osteology, articular structures, and neuromuscular architecture of the upper extremity, lower extremity, spine, and pelvis. Through weekly laboratory sessions in palpation, surface anatomy, and anatomical models, students learn to identify bony landmarks, trace muscle origins and insertions, determine planes and axes of motion, and diagnose functional movement patterns and muscular imbalances.

Prerequisites

BIO 101.

Measurable Student Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of KINE 201, students will be able to:

1. Analyze Musculoskeletal Architecture: Identify major bones, bony landmarks, articulations, and skeletal muscle groups, describing their functional roles in producing and controlling human movement.
2. Master Surface Anatomy and Palpation: Accurately locate and palpate superficial bony prominences, ligamentous structures, muscle bellies, and tendons on anatomical models and peer partners.
3. Determine Joint Kinematics and Lever Mechanics: Classify joints by structural and mechanical types, determining planes, axes, degrees of freedom, and anatomical lever systems during closed- and open-chain movements.
4. Conduct Qualitative Movement Analysis: Deconstruct complex multi-joint movement patterns into discrete phases, identifying prime movers, synergists, antagonists, and stabilizers throughout each phase.
5. Evaluate Movement Dysfunction and Injury Risks: Relate anatomical impairments, postural variations, and muscle length-tension relationships to common athletic and occupational overuse injuries.

Required Course Materials & Approximate Costs

1. Floyd, R. T. Manual of Structural Kinesiology. 21st ed., McGraw Hill, 2021. Approx. $90 print, $55 digital rental.
2. Biel, Andrew. Trail Guide to the Body: How to Locate Muscles, Bones and More. 6th ed., Books of Discovery, 2019. Approx. $65 print.
3. KINE 201 Laboratory Manual: Palpation, Articular Mechanics, and Movement Analysis. Alkimi University Copy Center, 2026. Approx. $20.
4. Total estimated cost: $140 to $175.

Generative AI Policy (AI Level 2: AI Permitted with Disclosure for Specified Tasks)

In accordance with Alkimi University Academic Policies (Student Handbook §5.8), KINE 201 operates under AI Level 2.

• What is permitted: You may use generative AI tools to generate anatomical study questions, clarify joint motion terminology, explain biomechanical lever mechanics, and review draft text of your movement analysis project for clarity and grammar.
• What is prohibited: You may not use generative AI during laboratory practical examinations, nor may you use AI to fabricate palpation observations, generate joint kinematic calculations, or complete weekly anatomy quizzes.
• Disclosure: All submitted project reports must include an AI-use disclosure statement describing any AI tools used and their exact role in the assignment. If no generative AI tools were used, state: 'No generative AI tools were used in preparing this work.'

Grading Components and Weights

• Lecture Examination 1: 15% (In class, Friday, September 25)
• Lecture Examination 2: 15% (In class, Friday, November 6)
• Laboratory Practical 1 (Osteology and Upper Extremity Palpation): 12% (In lab, week of October 5)
• Laboratory Practical 2 (Lower Extremity, Trunk, and Movement Analysis): 12% (In lab, week of November 30)
• Qualitative Movement Analysis Project: 14% (Due Friday, November 20 at 11:59 p.m.)
• Weekly Canvas Anatomy Quizzes: 12% (Due Mondays at 11:59 p.m. in Canvas; lowest quiz score dropped)
• Final Comprehensive Examination: 20% (Wednesday, December 16, 2026, 11:30 a.m.–1:30 p.m.)

Grading Scale (Alkimi University Standard)

• A: 93–100% | A-: 90–92%
• B+: 87–89% | B: 83–86% | B-: 80–82%
• C+: 77–79% | C: 73–76% | C-: 70–72%
• D+: 67–69% | D: 60–66% | F: Below 60%
• Extra credit: No extra credit assignments are offered in KINE 201.

Course Schedule (Fall 2026)

Course Policies

Attendance Policy

Lecture attendance is expected, and laboratory attendance is mandatory. In the laboratory, you develop palpation skills and hands-on movement assessment techniques with partners and specialized anatomical models. Missed laboratory sessions cannot be replicated outside class. Missing more than two laboratory sessions will result in a failing grade for the course. Students who miss the first two class meetings without notifying the instructor may be dropped. Students may miss class for religious observance without penalty if they notify the instructor in writing within the first two weeks of the semester (by Wednesday, September 9, 2026). Absences for university-sponsored activities (athletics, performances, conferences) are excused with a letter from the sponsoring office at least one week in advance.

Late Work Policy

Written project reports submitted past the designated due date will be penalized 10% per day for up to three calendar days. After 72 hours, late submissions will receive a grade of zero unless accompanied by documentation from Student Health Services or Academic Advising.

Laboratory Attire and Professional Touch

Students must wear appropriate athletic apparel (shorts and T-shirts or tank tops) during laboratory sessions to facilitate palpation of anatomical landmarks. Students are expected to maintain professional conduct, communicate respectfully with peer partners, and respect personal boundaries at all times during surface palpation.

School of Nursing & Health Sciences Major Progression

Kinesiology majors must achieve a grade of C or higher in KINE 201 to satisfy degree requirements and advance to KINE 310 Biomechanics. Pass/No Pass grading is not permitted for courses required in the major.

Final Exam Policy

The final examination (Wednesday, December 16, 2026, 11:30 a.m.–1:30 p.m.) is scheduled by the University Registrar and can't be moved without the Dean's written approval (Faculty Handbook §5.5). A student with three or more final exams on the same calendar day may reschedule one of them. Requests go to the instructor of the middle exam by the last day of classes. For this term, send the request by Wednesday, December 9, 2026 (Student Handbook §6.4).